These elegant Classical urns were made in England in the late 18th century. Though unmarked, they are attributed to the potter Ralph Edwards II (1748—1795). Pottery with a marbleized surface is known as agate ware. Made by molding colored clay onto the surface of the pottery, agate ware mimics the variegated appearance of its namesake stone.
Decorative sets like these are called garnitures. They were crafted in sets of three, five or seven, and often placed upon a fireplace mantel shelf. Visitors to NSDAR Headquarters can see these agate ware garnitures displayed on the mantel in the DAR Museum's West Virginia period room. The Museum purchased the set in 1964.